Introduction
The City of Springfield has identified a need to update certain sections of the Springfield Municipal Code (SMC) administered by the code enforcement program. Staff will propose the following changes to the City Council at 7 p.m. on Oct 21, 2024. Community members are encouraged to share their support or discuss any concerns before that time directly with staff.

What changes are being proposed?

The City’s current code enforcement process relies on the judicial system and sends many cases to court regardless of the level of infraction. This typically takes additional time and ends up resulting in large financial penalties that may not be appropriate for all cases.

The newly proposed system would eliminate the judicial process unless absolutely necessary and keep most violations out of court. It would allow code enforcement officers to work with property owners on a case-by-case basis. The new system has the same goal of reaching compliance to improve the health and safety of Springfield but gives code enforcement officers the tools to focus on education while providing a method to levy small fines if corrections aren’t made to a property within three days of notification.

Key Points
Nuisance code update: The Nuisance in General and Particular Nuisance sections, SMC5.000-5.062, will be clarified and updated to resolve legacy vs. current public nuisances.

1. Administrative Civil Penalties (ACP): An alternative enforcement mechanism which provides an administrative solution to code violations instead of a judicial process.
2. Dangerous, Abandoned, or Derelict Structures: Codifies certain standards for structures and buildings that are in a derelict, dangerous or abandoned condition. Identifies exemptions, registration, process, and abatement.

Major Findings/Results

• Finding 1: The Code enforcement program is directly responsible for resolving general and particular nuisance complaints. Staff and community members have experienced that existing code language needs to be realigned to address current public nuisance issues.
• Finding 2: The current judicial enforcement process is challenged by delays, relative fines, and staffing. ACP’s address the first two of these three concerns by design and will provide for staffing by pursuing those violations which require current permits and incorporating development code enforcement in the Urban Growth boundary of Springfield and building code violations.
• Finding 3: The City is experiencing a shortage of available housing. Identifying and preserving the current housing stock will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in Springfield, Oregon. By addressing vacant and abandoned properties, the program will contribute to neighborhood revitalization, property value stability, and overall community well-being.

Conclusion

The proposed updates to the Springfield Municipal Code aim to address current challenges and streamline the code enforcement process. By clarifying nuisance codes, introducing Administrative Civil Penalties, and codifying standards for dangerous and derelict structures, the City of Springfield seeks to improve public safety, enhance community well-being, and support neighborhood revitalization. Community engagement is essential, and residents are encouraged to share their input with code enforcement staff before the City Council meeting on October 21, 2024.

Code Update Timeline